Sexual dysfunction in women with spinal cord injury living in Greece

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-021-00404-7 · Published: May 13, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Women's Health

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the sexual health of women with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Greece. It aims to understand how common sexual dysfunction (SD) is among these women and what factors might be linked to it. Researchers collected data from 30 women with SCI, using questionnaires to assess their sexual function, quality of life, and other factors like pain and depression. They then analyzed the data to see if there were any connections between these factors and sexual dysfunction. The study found that a significant number of women with SCI experienced sexual dysfunction. Factors like older age, pain, and depression seemed to be associated with a higher risk of SD. The researchers suggest that healthcare providers should pay close attention to these factors when caring for women with SCI.

Study Duration

Data compiled from February 2018 to April 2019

Participants

30 women with SCI living in the community

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
The study revealed that 63.3% of the participants experienced sexual dysfunction.
2
Age was negatively correlated with FSFI scores (p = 0.006), indicating that older age was associated with greater sexual dysfunction.
3
FSFI scores were negatively correlated with PHQ-9 (p = 0.04), suggesting that depressive symptoms are associated with sexual dysfunction.

Research Summary

This study investigated sexual dysfunction (SD) in Greek women with spinal cord injury (SCI), finding a 63.3% prevalence, which is generally consistent with international literature but somewhat lower. The research identified age and depressive symptoms as major determinants of SD, with older age negatively correlating with sexual function scores and depressive symptoms negatively impacting FSFI scores. The study also found positive correlations between sexual function and factors like life satisfaction, functional independence, and social integration, highlighting the multifaceted nature of sexual health in women with SCI.

Practical Implications

Clinical Monitoring

Clinicians should closely monitor women with SCI for sexual dysfunction, especially those with severe pain, depression, low functional independence, and limited social inclusion.

Intervention Guidelines

The findings can inform the adjustment of intervention guidelines and healthcare practices to address the specific needs of women with SCI at high risk of SD.

Future Research

Further research is needed to verify these results in larger samples and with control groups, as well as to explore other factors affecting sexual function in women after SCI.

Sexual dysfunction in women with spinal cord injury living in Greece

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Monitoring

Intervention Guidelines

Future Research

Study Limitations

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Sexual dysfunction in women with spinal cord injury living in Greece

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Monitoring

Intervention Guidelines

Future Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?